Osaka

Overview

The third largest city in Japan, it's most famous for its tasty local delicacies. It's also the perfect antidote to the fashion-filled buzz of Tokyo or the quaintly traditional Kyoto.

The smallest prefecture in the country also has one of the biggest personalities and largest populations (second only to Tokyo).

The friendly locals speak the colourful Kansai-ben dialect (if you can understand Japanese!) as they bustle along the city streets illuminated with over-the-top 3D neon signage. Contrast this with 16th century Osaka Castle at the city's heart, a five-layer traditional donjon, and you've got a good mix of modern Japan alongside traditional architecture and culture.

Where to go

With two major city centres (Kita to the North, and Minami to the South) and four major train stations there are plenty of areas to see and enjoy the best of Japanese culture.

Osaka Castle

The cultural centre of Osaka, the area is dominated by the impressive Osaka Castle, built by the pre-eminent warrior, samurai and politician Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583. A visit to this 5-story castle is a must, with important artworks and spectacular architectural references all around.

This is also the area to head to in Spring if you don't have the chance to leave the city to see the stunning cherry blossom displays. Head to the riverside Kema Sakuranomiya ParkOpens external site in a new window where you can stroll amongst the 4,700 cherry trees and spend a very happy few hours.

Kita and Minami

Kita

The northerly of the city's two centres, KitaOpens external site is a thriving business hub with plenty of shopping, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options. If you're after some shopping there are several department stores and underground shopping malls where you can give your credit card a workout.

The area has recently been going through a redevelopment and now boasts light, bright and modern architecture with the facilities you'd expect from a 21st century city. Highlights to look out for include the Umeda Sky BuildingOpens external site with its twin towers and open-air observation deck 173m in the sky. If that sounds a little too modern, head to Kitashinchi District where you'll find a more traditional feeling with its hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs.

Minami

The city's most well-known entertainment district offers plenty of dining and shopping options. The area's most famous street is DotonboriOpens external site in a new window, and a place where you'll hear the local phrase kuidaore (eat 'till you drop). Look out for the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

The northerly of the city's two centres, KitaOpens external site in a new window is a thriving business hub with plenty of shopping, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options. If you're after some shopping there are several department stores and underground shopping malls where you can give your credit card a workout.

The area has recently been going through a redevelopment and now boasts light, bright and modern architecture with the facilities you'd expect from a 21st century city. Highlights to look out for include the Umeda Sky BuildingOpens external site in a new window with its twin towers and open-air observation deck 173m in the sky. If that sounds a little too modern, head to Kitashinchi District where you'll find a more traditional feeling with its hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs.

Minami

The city's most well-known entertainment district offers plenty of dining and shopping options. The area's most famous street is DotonboriOpens external site in a new window, and a place where you'll hear the local phrase kuidaore (eat 'till you drop). Look out for the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Visit an onsen (a hot spring). The most famous is Arashiyama OnsenOpens external site in a new window (Ashiyu in Arashiyama station). The ashiyu uses Arashiyama onsen water which is known for healing nerve pain, muscle pain, chronic digestive disease, fatigue, and so on. Bathing for about 10 minutes is most effective.

Quick facts

Currency

Yen (JPY, ￥)

Electricity

100V/ 60Hz

Population

2,665,000

Seasons

The best times to visit Osaka are October/November (autumn) and March/April/May (spring), however you can visit at any time of year because the weather is temperate. Summer (June/July/August) in Kyoto is hot and humid. Winter (December/January/February) in Kyoto is cold.

Getting around

From the airport

Kansai International Airport

There are a number of train options from the airport. The one worth taking is the 'Haruka' limited express trainsOpens external site in a new window between the airport and Tennoji, taking roughly 30 minutes. Foreign tourists can take advantage of the 'Icoca and Haruka' ticket meaning you can travel by non-reserved seat for a discounted price.

In and around the city

Osaka has over seven different railway and subway companies serving the city. The main ones and most useful to foreign visitors are the ones operated by JR WestOpens external site in a new window. Look out for the Osaka Loop Line as well as options to Kobe, Kyoto, Nara and Universal Studios.

For travel in the city centre it's worth getting an Osaka Amazing Pass which provides unlimited use of subways and buses within the city on one or two consecutive days, plus free admission to many of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

Osaka car hire

Book car hire with Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Qantas Frequent Flyer members could earn Qantas Points^ with Avis and Budget.

Other Destinations

Tokyo

Shanghai

Important Information

Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.

** Prices are per room, per night and vary depending on date of check in, length of stay and room type. Conditions apply.